Article Photos

Let the eggsperts do all the cooking at your favorite Maui eateries

What did the Rabbit say to the carrot? "It's been nice gnawing you!" Just like this internet joke, Easter is a time of lightness, of feasting with family and friends. So do bring "every bunny you love" to brunch or dinner on our tropical isle.

CENTRAL MAUI

The kids will jump for joy to attend Maui Tropical Plantation's Easter Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. They may meet the Easter Bunny, and run in the Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. behind the lagoon with over 1,000 eggs. The winner will receive the grand prize of a Red Rocket bicycle.

Other fun features include free tram rides, two jumping castles, shave ice and popcorn and the fact that two keiki 10 and younger get to eat for free off of the keiki station with one buffet-paying adult.

Kid-friendly fare includes macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, fish sticks, rainbow Jell-O and garden-picked fruit salad along with chocolate pudding.

Adult highlights are roast pork with brown gravy, mahimahi in lemon-caper sauce, ahi poke and assorted desserts. Cost is $32.95 adults. Call 270-0306.

The Coconut Grill at the Maui Seaside in Kahului will tempt diners with its brunch buffet with seatings at 8 and 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and dinner buffet with seatings at 4 and 7 p.m.

Both the brunch and dinner buffet will feature hand-carved, slow-roasted prime rib; grilled mahimahi and dungeness crab, lemon and caper butter; stuffed chicken Mauna Loa with pan gravy; smoked pit ham with guava and pineapple demi glace; seafood and salad bars; and assorted desserts.

Coconut Grill's brunch buffet also features eggs Benedict, omelettes of cheddar cheese and scallions, Belgian waffles, home fries and buttermilk pancakes. Dinner kicks it up a notch with paniolo barbecue pork ribs with guava glaze.

Brunch is $28.95 adults; and $13.95 for children 5 to 12. Dinner is $31.95 adults and $14.95 children 5 to 12. For reservations, call 871-8881.

Dishing up glorious views of the golf course and the West Maui Mountains from its spacious location will be Cafe O'Lei at the Dunes in Kahului. Easter hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Reiko Fukino will perform.

Chef-owners Michael and Dana Pastula love to cook on the holidays and they'll please palates with carved roast prime rib with au jus and creamy horseradish, leg of lamb stuffed with goat cheese and spinach, roast chicken Provence, shrimp linguine, honey-and-macadamia-glazed roast pork, and lightly blackened mahimahi with papaya salsa. Other favorites include Caesar salads, omelettes made to order, and desserts such as bananas Foster, pineapple upside-down cake and more. Cost is $32 adults; and $15 children 4 to 12. For reservations, call Cafe O'Lei at 877-0073.

Maui Beach Hotel in Kahului will get in the Easter groove with brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. in its cool and air-conditioned ElleAir Ballroom. The brunch's breakfast station will feature omelettes, waffles, Portuguese sausage and potato wedges. Hot entrees are pulehu steak, shoyu butterfish, Nagasaki-style braised pork, shrimp and vegetable tempura, seafood stir fry and steamed rice.

Cold dishes include shrimp cocktail, ahi poke, maki sushi, spicy tuna roll and assorted desserts. Dinner also features snow crab legs and prime rib.

Brunch is $29 adults and $14.50 children 6 to 11. Dinner is $34 adults, $17 children 6 to 11. Call 877-0051.

SOUTH MAUI

The chefs at Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa will pull out all of the stops for Easter Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Grand Dining Room.

Rise and shine with hot malassadas just out of the wok filled with guava or Bavarian cream and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Other breakfast favorites include hickory-smoked bacon and Belgian waffles.

Check out the create-your-own-salad bar with an assortment of condiments prepared by a chef. Other cold starters include grilled smoked duck breast salad, oysters on the half shell, sushi rolls, cheese display, hummus and artichoke dip with grilled flat breads, and fresh fruits.

Indulge in hot entrees of roasted prime rib of beef, guava-glazed ham, medallions of venison, panko-crusted salmon with wilted spinach and more.

The sweet endings range from strawberry shortcake to Grand Marnier brulee to ice cream sundae bar.

Cost is $75 adults, and $34 children 5 to 12. Call the Grand at 875-1234.

Just like every other Sunday, Gian Don's in Kihei will be open from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served all the way until 2 p.m. and prices start at $5.95 for two eggs, toast and roasted potatoes.

"We also have great eggs Benedict, loco moco and Hawaiian French toast," says owner Debbie Defanis. Easter dinner starts at 2 p.m. with classic Caesar salad, antipasto, seafood raviolis, melt-in-your-mouth ribs, and fresh ono, opakapaka or mahi with four different preparations. Vodka rigatoni is a top-selling entree. Enjoy sunset jazz from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Sunday with Pam and Paul Peterson. For reservations, call Gian Don's at 874-4041.

Seascape Ma'alaea Restaurant will host a special Easter Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. While it's the signature restaurant of the Maui Ocean Center, you do not have to pay for admission. Just enter through the side restaurant door.

James Beard Rising Star Chef nominee Henry Tariga will prepare a holiday a la carte menu of herb-marinated grilled lamb chops with rosemary mint au jus, drizzled in garlic herb Boursin cheese cream, as well as grilled salmon over wild mushroom and roasted vegetable couscous topped with poached egg and Hollandaise (Both are under $20).

Special dessert is chocolate mousse with fresh seasonal fruits. Kalapana Kollars will entertain on the guitar and guests may enjoy the Black Tip exhibit which borders the restaurant, and dine knowing the food is trans fat-free and sustainable.

Lunch reservations are not required. For more details, call 270-7000.

Ruth's Chris Steak Houses in Wailea and Lahaina will open early - at 4 p.m.- on Easter Sunday. Decorations, treats and keiki menu are all on the agenda. Just book early, as it's always a sellout.

Both Ruth's Chris locations on Maui will serve prime rib with 1-pound baked potato for $39.95. Also at that price is the complete three-course "Ruth's Classic" menu with choice of Steak House salad, Caesar salad or Louisiana seafood gumbo, followed by a choice of Ruth's Chris signature 8-ounce petite filet, stuffed chicken breast, barbecued shrimp or fresh island fish selection. This classic meal also includes a side dish such as creamed spinach and dessert such as bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Upgrade your meal to the $49.95 option if you prefer; just ask your waiter.

For information and reservations, call Ruth's Chris Steak House in Lahaina Center at 661-8815 or The Shops at Wailea at 874-8880.

Mala Wailea generally sets a star-studded stage in its open-air, oceanfront perch on the lobby level of the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa - because, well, it's owned by a slew of stars.

Champagne will flow from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the fare will include ahi and tako poke, chilled shrimp, and sliced smoked salmon with cheese, capers, diced red onions and bagel chips.

More highlights are the baba ghanoush, hummus and feta mousse with baskets of pita, assorted cheeses, mixed fruit with berries, and Danish and pastries.

From the carving station will come ham with pineapple glaze, and prime rib with creamy horseradish. Sink your teeth into roast leg of lamb with rosemary jus, grilled chicken breast with Hamakua mushroom ragout, and sauteed mahi with mojo verde. Omelettes will be made to order.

Vegetarians may savor white bean soup and tomato bisque, Indonesian Gado Gado salad, pancakes and waffles with Vermont syrup, and as icing on the cake, assorted desserts will be displayed.

Cost is $49 adults, and $25 keiki 12 and younger. Call 875-9394.

Five Palms Beach Grill puts you right on the water's edge of Keawakapu Beach in Kihei with sweeping views of Molokini and Kahoolawe all the way to Pu'u Olai cinder cone in Makena. This massive restaurant boasts many new upgrades and its Easter Sunday brunch buffet allows for both indoor and outdoor seating.

Five Palms brunch buffet runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a glass of champagne will be included with each adult entree. Choose from prime rib and meat carving stations, traditional breakfast dishes, lavish seafood and sushi displays, fresh island salads and gourmet desserts.

Cost is $39.95 adults; and $19.95 keiki younger than 12. Adults who dine before 10 a.m. get $5 off. Or you may choose an a la carte menu. Chef James Furnish also does justice to dinner nightly. Reservations are suggested. Call 879-2607.

The Easter Bunny will be hopping about from 9 to 1:30 a.m. at Stella Blues Cafe, centrally located in Kihei. But take note that breakfast will be served all the way from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., lunch until 4 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.

Easter breakfast specials include country fried steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and decadent French toast stuffed with bananas and strawberries. Dinner specials are opah lettuce cups and crab-stuffed mahimahi. Call Stella's at 874-3779.

Those craving a gourmet and elegant feast Easter Sunday will find it at DUO in the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. The open-air poolside restaurant will serve a lavish brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Start with seafood bar items such as lobster tails, jumbo prawns, dungeness crab summer rolls and ahi poke.

Appetizers and salads include deviled eggs with caviar, red and golden beets with Point Reyes blue cheese, seasonal fruits, grilled calamari, cheeses, spicy tuna rolls, and chilled potato-leek soup. Other highlights are the egg station with omelettes and all the condiments, pancakes, waffles and French toast, carving station with prime rib, leg of lamb and bone-in Kurobuta ham. Check out seafood cioppino, oven-roast pork and desserts. Cost is $82 adults; and $35 keiki 6 to 12. Call 874-8000.

The Seawatch Restaurant high above the ocean in Wailea offers incredible views and a comfortable and casual ambience.

Both its breakfast and lunch are served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner goes until 9:30 p.m. Award-winning Chef Todd Carlos will dish up a la carte favorites of Hawaiian-style French toast, smoked Scottish salmon and bagels, mango barbecue pulled pork sandwich, and seafood papaya.

House specialties are blackened island catch and grilled lemon-herb chicken flatbread with Greek olives and tomato. Specials range from $8.50 to $16. For reservations, call 875-8080.

WEST MAUI

Families flock to Ka'anapali Beach Hotel for Easter like bees to a hive. That's because it will flow with a champagne brunch featuring 65 items, feature live Hawaiian music, Easter egg hunts, bunny face temporary tattoo paintings and hourly visits by the Easter Bunny himself.

In addition, the keiki will love the knee-high buffet and the Ka Holo Moana hands-on exhibit of tide-pool marine life, sponsored by Maui Ocean Center. Brunch hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you may dine indoors or outdoors if you make reservations early and let them know your request.

Local favorites are Kaanapali poi and lomilomi salmon, sushi, fried won tons and egg rolls, pork laulau and char siu.

House specialties are pipikaula smoked beef, all manner of poke, pohole ocean salad, broccoli and cranberries, Okinawan roast pork, kalua turkey, seared snapper, Kung pao shrimp, waffles topped with strawberries and more.

Make room for chocolate cakes, banana cream pies, mini eclairs and much more. Adults are $42.95 and children 6 to 12, $22. There will be special event pricing for valet and self parking. Call the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel at 667-0124.

For the first time, Pacific'o at 505 Front Street in Lahaina will present an Easter Brunch. It's right on the beach with views of Lanai and Molokai, champagne will flow and you may savor 20 selections from Pacific'o and sister properties I'o and Feast and Lele. Peruse the cold seafood station, omelet stations, breakfast favorites, carving stations of ham and lamb, salad bar items plucked from the partners' 8-acre O'o Farm in Kula along with I'o crudos and a lavish dessert buffet. Cost is $45 adults and $30 keiki 5 to 12. Call 667-4341.

A new restaurant has opened in Napili Shores Resort and it's called Maui Grill. It will serve an Easter brunch buffet from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 10 great items on the hot line along with omelette, seafood and salad stations, breads and pastries and a host of desserts. Cost is $27.95 adults and $9.95 children 5 to 10. Call 442-3700.

Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas will celebrate with an Easter brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at its poolside Ocean Bar & Grill. Choices include the seafood display, the Chef's Table with oven-roasted prime rib and omelettes, brunch classics such as steamed mahimahi and seafood in lobster and cream sauce, and desserts such as mango cheesecake, brownies and cookies. Cost is $49 adults, and $24.75 children 6 to 12. The resort's Pulehu restaurant will also offer a three-course holiday dinner. Call 667-3254.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will be a West Maui hot spot all weekend with its Celebration of the Arts. Come check out the mostly free exhibits, talks and Hawaiian arts and crafts booths set in and around the lobby. Topping off the weekend will be the Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in the resort's Terrace restaurant. The chefs will put on a ritzy spread of starters such as asparagus mimosa, Kona lobster with baby Kula greens, buffalo mozzarella caprese stacks, assorted cheeses and a host of fresh seafood.

Holiday food seekers will find their fill of herb-crusted prime rib, olive-rubbed leg of lamb, guava- glazed ham and even bouillabaisse prepared at stations. Desserts, teas and coffees are included. Cost is $75 adults, and $37.50 children 4 to 12. Call 665-7089.

How many restaurants serve egg Benedict with Hollandaise sauce six different ways? The Plantation House in Kapalua does and it's open Easter Sunday serving both breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Different Benedict toppings include country sausage patty, crab cake, salmon lox, roasted veggies and sashimi. The Bloody Marys are among the best on the island and so are the views. The bar menu runs until 5:30 p.m. and dinner goes from 5:30 to 9 p.m. For more details, call 669-6299.

Spring will be in the air at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali, when it celebrates its Easter Brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Keka'a Terrace. The egg hunt is at 9:30 a.m. and the Rubber Duckie Race in the pool for charity is at 11 a.m. Brunch cost is $40 adults, and $20 children 5 to 12. Call 662-8053.

Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa in Kaanapali will offer a number of Easter options this Sunday. The beachfront and poolside Umalu will serve breakfast from 6:30 to 11 a.m.; Swan Court will present a holiday buffet from 8:30 a.m. to 2 pm., and a special dinner entree will be offered at Cascades from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Swan Court's buffet includes tropical fruits and berries, oysters and prawns, maki and nigiri sushi, prime rib, leg of lamb, pork loin and grilled mahi. Cost is $54 adults and $25 keiki. Call 661-1234.

The new Lulu's Lahaina Surf Club & Grill at the Lahaina Cannery Mall will feature its first Easter Buffet from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Grammy Award-winning guitarist George Kahumoku Jr. The Easter Bunny will make appearances. Cost is adults, $26.95 and kids $13.95. Call 661-0808.

The Melting Pot in Lahaina will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. with a special three-course meal for $27. Call 661-6181.

UPCOUNTRY

Hali'imaile General Store will be jumping Upcountry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an Easter Sunday a la carte brunch. Begin with say, brie and grape quesadilla and Bev's famous "crab" pizza, seared ahi, Chinese chicken salad and then opt for entrees such as grilled ahi loco moco, kalua pork enchilada pie, Huevos Rancheros, lamb souvlaki and veggie frittata. Prices range from $8 to $20. For reservations, call 572-2666.